Should the chicken be left whole or cut into pieces for worship on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month?
In the cultural rituals of the Vietnamese, the offering tray is an important element, and boiled chicken is often a must-have dish. Many people wonder whether the chicken should be offered whole or cut into pieces when presented on the altar.
The answer is, when worshiping, the boiled chicken should be left whole. A whole chicken not only has aesthetic value but also represents the majestic posture of a rooster crowing. Presenting a whole chicken symbolizes completeness and wholeness.
If the chicken has been cut into pieces when purchased, it may not convey the solemnity intended, and it might even be uncertain whether it is a whole chicken or a combination of different parts. Placing a whole chicken on the altar makes it look dignified and represents the image of a rooster signaling the light and divinity.
The answer is, the boiled chicken should be left whole when offered as a worship dish.
However, if the chicken is to be part of the feast after the ceremony, it is necessary to cut it into pieces to demonstrate consideration in the presentation. The Vietnamese often arrange the feast with 4 plates and bowls, 6 plates and bowls, or 8 plates and bowls with delicious and traditional dishes. In the case of counting the chicken as one of the dishes in the feast, cutting it into pieces and presenting it attractively will align with the meaning of offering a dish to invite the ancestors and deities.
When placing the chicken on the altar, ensure that the chicken’s head is facing the incense burner, while the neck should be facing outwards. Although this arrangement may not be aesthetically pleasing, it accurately represents the chicken’s position as if waiting to report to the deities. Some families may choose to have the chicken face outward to express their refusal to serve, but it is essential to place the chicken so that the neck faces the incense burner, showing reverence and respect for the worship ritual.
How to Boil a Chicken for Worship Attractively
After securing the chicken’s shape with a string, place it in a deep pot with the belly side down. Add ginger, crushed onion, and a little salt. Fill the pot with water, ensuring it covers the chicken, and place it on the stove. It is recommended to put the chicken in the pot when the water is still cold to allow even cooking from the outside in and to prevent skin cracking. If using a frozen chicken, ensure it is completely thawed before boiling.
The belly skin is prone to cracking due to direct contact with the pot’s bottom, so a tip is to place the chicken in a deep bowl before putting it in the pot of water. This method helps maintain the chicken’s shape and prevents skin cracking.
Place the secured chicken in a deep pot with the belly side down, adding ginger, crushed onion, and a pinch of salt.
To ensure the worship chicken has a golden-toned skin and is free from any impurities, boil the chicken’s innards and blood separately in a small pot, rather than boiling them together with the worship chicken.
When boiling, adjust the heat to medium and slightly open the lid. Once the water boils, skim off the foam to clarify the broth. After boiling for about 5 minutes, turn off the heat and let the chicken steep in the hot water for an additional 15-20 minutes to prevent skin shrinkage or cracking.
For a glossy finish, after cooking, remove the chicken and immediately plunge it into cold water with a few ice cubes. If you want the chicken’s skin to have an even more golden hue, you can mix chicken fat with a little turmeric juice and lightly coat the chicken’s surface with this mixture.
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